Private swimming pools are no longer a pleasure reserved for the very wealthy: Technological progress and the entry of new products into the market have enabled those who are not millionaires, but who have managed to save some money, to build backyard pools and enjoy a refreshing swim on hot summer days. Tens of thousands of private homes in Israel now sport private pools. Most of them are in luxury neighborhoods such as Kfar Shmaryahu, Savyon and Herzliya Pituah, but there are also quite a few in moshavim (semi-cooperative communities) and in new neighborhoods of single family homes in Yehud, Rishon Letzion and Ashdod.

One of the relatively inexpensive options that has become quite common in recent years is the purchase of an above-ground pool made of vinyl-coated metal. "In the past few years, whole neighborhoods have been built of single-family homes on small lots," explained Ronen Avni, CEO of Abir Chemicals, which supplies and services swimming pools. "Due to restrictions imposed by the planning and building committees, permits are not granted for the construction of swimming pools on lots under a certain size. This has led to the development of a market for above-ground pools that do not require a permit, whose installation takes between one and three days, and which are sometimes half the price of a sunken pool."

Above-ground pools can be either round, with a diameter of 3.6 meters (11.7 feet), or oval, which comes in various sizes. For sunken backyard pools, the most popular sizes are 4x8 meters or 5x10 meters. Such pools, without any gimmicks or extras, cost about $30,000, while above-ground pools of the same size cost less than half this amount. According to Avni, the standard round above-ground pool costs $3,500-$4,000, while an oval one measuring 5x14 meters costs $12,000-$14,000.

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Although Avni said that no permit is required for installing above-ground pools, some industry experts said that there are no unequivocal legal rulings on this matter.

Attorney Gilad Hess, legal advisor to the local planning and building committee in Hod Hasharon, said that according to the dry letter of the law, any structure that is anchored to the ground requires a building permit. If a pool is only set on the ground, however, no permit is necessary. "The law states that a permit is required for erecting a building," he noted, "and the definition of a building includes any materials that are permanently connected."

However, most people do not apply for building permits for above-ground pools. "What happens," explained Hess, "is that people can set up the pool and never move it, such that there is a question of whether it is a permanent structure."

"Sometimes the neighbors complain and a municipal inspector comes to check the pool," Hess continued. "If the committee decides to file charges, the issue will be deliberated by the municipal court."

Hess noted that so far, no case has ever been heard concerning a pool that is completely above ground, although there is a ruling by the Tel Aviv Municipal Court from two years ago concerning a pool anchored to the ground with concrete. That pool was deemed to be a permanent structure that requires a permit.

Another advantage of an above-ground pool is that it does not require the construction of a machinery house near the pool for the pumps and other maintenance equipment, as a sunken pool does.

Building a sunken pool is a much more complicated matter, and must start with detailed planning.

"When someone decides to build a pool," explained Jacob Kirmair, CEO of Yagel, a company that builds and maintains both private and public pools, "several factors come into play. First, the homeowners ask an architect to make all their pool fantasies come true. These might include a special shape, a specific coating, underwater speakers, or any other gimmicks and extras that people want in their backyard pool. The architect designs the pool, and then a representative of the construction company explains how the plans affect the pool's requirements, which include the slope of the floor, proximity to the machinery house and the removal of any obstacles that could hamper construction."

The plans that will ultimately be submitted to the local planning and building committee for a permit must include an expert opinion from both a construction engineer and a plumbing engineer. The latter makes sure that the pool's plumbing meets the local authority's specific requirements. It is important to note that each local authority has different regulations governing private pools.

"In Caesarea, for example, a pool cannot border on the adjacent lot, but must be well inside a lot, while in Tel Aviv, a pool can border on the adjoining lot, as long as the neighbors do not object," explained Kirmair. "Some of the local authorities require a fence around the pool, while others do not. Some restrict the depth of a pool and others will allow pools larger than the maximum size that they themselves set in their own regulations."

Hess added that these days, homeowners can apply for a permit to deviate from the urban master plan, and sometimes the local authorities approve such permits. "In general," he said, "there is a tendency to permit the construction of private pools, out of a realization that these are no longer considered a luxury."

It takes at least six months to obtain a permit, and may take up to a year if the plans are not straightforward. Even once a building permit has been obtained, construction of the pool still cannot begin until permits have also been obtained from the fire department, the police and the Environment Ministry. "Until three years ago, a permit was also required from the Health Ministry," noted Kirmair. "For some reason, this is no longer required for single-owner private pools, but it is still needed for pools built by condominium projects."

The difference between the cost of one pool and another can be quite high, depending on the homeowner's desires. A pool can be lined with plastic or ceramic for NIS 40-60 per square meter, or with fancy mosaic that cost hundreds of shekels per square meter. The pool can have hot water jets, like a Jacuzzi, or countercurrents, and one of its sides can even be transparent, such that the water can be seen from the outside. This type of window can cost anywhere from NIS 20,000-150,000.

"The most expensive pools in Israel cost their owners NIS 2 million, and I know a few of them," said Kirmair, who estimated that there are tens of thousands of private pools in Israel.

Avni estimated the turnover of the private swimming pool sales and service market in Israel at about NIS 50 million annually.

Pool maintenance requires equipment, time and effort, so most pool owners hire pool maintenance services. "First, the pH and chlorine levels must be checked weekly throughout the summer and biweekly in winter," said Asaf Digmi of Afikei Mayim, a swimming pool maintenance company. "It is important to maintain the pool in winter, too. Otherwise, it gets dirty and the drains and pump get clogged."

Private pools use a kit to test the chlorine and pH at a cost of NIS 125-150 for 20 tests. Every pool owner also needs a net for removing leaves, a brush for removing the algae from the pool's sides, a telescopic pole and a special cleaning broom. All these together cost a few hundred shekels. A hose for drawing out dirt will cost another NIS 400.

Sunken pools also need an automatic salt dispenser for adding chlorine to the water. This device is installed in the machinery house and costs NIS 6,500-9,000, but is a worthwhile investment, as chlorine refills cost only about NIS 50 every few months, whereas a chlorinator, which costs NIS 1,000 and regulates the flow of chlorine to the water, requires chemicals that cost an average of NIS 250 a month.

Pool owners concerned about the environment can install an Aqua Soft filter in their pool. This filter, invented by scientist Mayer Fitoussi, saves energy, chemicals and water. Fitoussi explained that the filter prevents lime from separating from the water. This makes the water evaporate more slowly, reducing both the quantity of water added to the pool and the energy required to heat the water. He also noted that an unheated pool requires 30 percent less chlorine. The filter, which costs NIS 2,500, must be installed on each of the pool's pumps, and pools can have one, two or three pumps. This means a total outlay of NIS 2,500-7,500.